Seattle Seahawks Fields & Grounds Intern

The Seattle Seahawks are seeking a motivated Seasonal Fields Intern to join the Fields Department at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center. This internship provides students and recent graduates with hands-on experience in professional sports field and grounds management.

Working under the direction of the Fields Supervisor, the intern will assist with the daily maintenance and preparation of natural grass and synthetic playing surfaces, practice fields, and surrounding landscape areas. The position is designed to develop practical skills, sound decision-making, attention to detail, and an understanding of the standards required in a professional sports environment.

This is a physically demanding, hands-on position that requires early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and other scheduled events.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with the maintenance and preparation of athletic fields, practice surfaces, and surrounding grounds.
• Support the implementation of turfgrass fertility, plant-health, and pest-management programs.
• Assist with cultural practices, including aerification, topdressing, overseeding, vertical mowing, mowing, edging, grooming, and field repair.
• Help prepare playing surfaces for practices, games, and special events.
• Assist with irrigation-system operation, troubleshooting, repairs, adjustments, and performance checks.
• Support the maintenance and presentation of landscape areas throughout the facility.
• Learn and follow proper equipment operation, cleaning, inspection, and basic preventive-maintenance procedures.
• Collect and document field observations, maintenance information, and testing data as assigned.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas.
• Follow department procedures and all applicable safety requirements.
• Work collaboratively with Fields staff and other departments in a professional sports environment.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Learning Opportunities

The intern will gain practical experience in:

• Natural grass and synthetic playing-surface preparation
• Turfgrass fertility and plant-health programs
• Irrigation-system operation and management
• Equipment operation and preventive maintenance
• Field testing, recordkeeping, and reporting
• Game-day and special-event preparation
• Professional communication, teamwork, and problem-solving

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a two-year or four-year turfgrass management, horticulture, agronomy, plant science, or closely related program.
• Authorized to work in the United States.
• Possess a current, valid driver’s license and maintain an acceptable driving record.
• Able to work 40 or more hours per week during the seasonal assignment.
• Available to work a flexible schedule that may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events.
• Demonstrated interest in athletic field management, turfgrass management, or grounds maintenance.
• Able to follow instructions, work safely, and contribute effectively in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in sports turf, golf course maintenance, landscaping, horticulture, or grounds operations.
• Familiarity with basic turf-maintenance equipment and hand tools.
• Strong attention to detail and a willingness to learn.
• Dependable, adaptable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective communication, organization, and time-management skills.

Physical and Work Requirements

The physical requirements described below are representative of those necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

The intern must be able to:

• Regularly lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Stand and walk for extended periods.
• Perform repetitive and labor-intensive activities, including bending, kneeling, pushing, pulling, and reaching.
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, wind, and direct sunlight.
• Work safely around vehicles, machinery, fertilizers, turf-care products, and active field-maintenance operations.
• Maintain focus and attention to detail during extended workdays and event-related schedules.

Compensation and Program Information

• This is a paid seasonal position.
• The anticipated employment period is May through August. This can be extended or modified based on the applicant’s availability.
• Housing, transportation, travel, and relocation expenses are not provided.
• Meals will be provided on scheduled workdays.
• Work schedules and program dates are subject to operational and event requirements.

Application Instructions

Qualified candidates should submit:

• A professional résumé
• Contact information for professional or academic references
• A brief statement describing their interest in professional sports field management

Application materials should be submitted via email to
Sean Vanos, Director of Fields
seanv@seahawks.com